The resumed NBA games will be played in Orlando starting on July 30 and the foremost concern for league officials is to keep the players from catching the coronavirus. To help achieve that goal, a smart ring will be made available to players and they can choose to wear the accessory, which reportedly can track COVID-19 symptoms.
Called Oura smart ring, the small wearable device is equipped with sensors that detect symptoms of the disease. It can also sound off an alert if players are within six feet of each other.
The device can measure key body metrics such as body temperature, respiratory functions, and heartbeat rate, which will allow for up to three days of predicting a possible COVID-19 infection. According to Fadeaway World, the smart boasts of 90% accuracy, which should assure players participating in the Disney World games that their health will be monitored and protected.
The report pointed to an earlier story shared in social media by CNBC.
Interestingly, the ring was originally designed as a sleep tracker but the metrics to be used in identifying the presence of the killer virus will be the same. It should be made clear too that the device is an optional tool for players, meaning wearing while staying in the bubble city will not compulsory.
However, players who will choose to take advantage of the ring's safety features can help out in preventing a possible outbreak of the virus while the NBA is trying to complete a season that forced into a pause last March.
CBS Sports said the ring will not stop a player from getting infected but due to active monitoring, it will give an early warning that will allow for immediate action.
It is understood that the NBPA is supportive of the NBA's decision to make the smart ring readily available to players. League officials said the device will be an important component in the implementation of the NBA's virus containment strategy while the Orlando games are being played.
The report noted too that players' privacy will be protected as data generated by the Oura smart ring cannot be accessed on-demand. The data can only be used if a person wearing the device is determined to be in danger of contracting COVID-19.
As the NBA games will certainly lead to close-contact for all persons involved, having the smart ring is a boost for the league looking to assuage fears by players that they'd be working in a hazardous condition. The device is not a virus killer but it should convince that the NBA is doing its best to make the games as safe as possible.
